Green Communities

In 2011-12, Green Needham and Town elected leaders and boards worked to have Needham become a Massachusetts Green Community.
We had the opportunity to be among the leaders taking concrete steps to fighting climate change and building a more sustainable and resilient community. We would have had access to grants to support municipal and school energy efficiency and reduction projects. Based on the experience of comparable communities that became Green Communities at that time, Needham has forgone $1 million in grants since then. 210 Massachusetts cities and towns are now Green Communities. We did not succeed in 2012. It is past time to correct that mistake.

Green Needham has been preparing the ground with Town leaders to have Needham become a Massachusetts Green Community in 2019. We are working with other community organizations and invite everyone to join us in supporting this effort.

Becoming a Green Community will not only address the larger problem of Climate Change, it will also provide the following benefits to Needham:

Receipt of an approximately $149,000 designation grant

Eligibility for annual $250,000 competitive grants

Annual energy savings that free up town resources to help fulfill other core missions

A more flexible, comprehensive approach to facilities and infrastructure management

Immediate savings to new home buyers in Needham through lower utility bills

Lower greenhouse gas emissions

What you can do:

Get Involved!

We will provide information and opportunities for community members to get involved as we go forward. Check back in January for more information. If you’d like to help, or just want to know more, please reach out to us here.